April 18, 2013

There were 2 posts published on April 18, 2013 (this is page 1 of 1).

Public service resume

Just for fun I decided to compile a list of my public service accomplishments. It was a bit surprising to me to see how much stuff I have been involved with!

(The earlier dates are approximate as I’m lazy and don’t feel like looking them up right now!)

  • 1999-2001 – Boardmember, North Carolina Museum of Art Contemporaries
  • 1999-2001 – Member, Garner Land Use Ordinance Rewrite Committee
  • 2001 – Graduate, Garner Citizens Police Academy
  • 2001-2002 – President, Garner Crimestoppers
  • 2005-2006 – Steering Committee, Triangle Linux Users Group (TriLUG)
  • 2008 – Valedictorian, Raleigh Neighborhood College
  • 2008-2011 – Chair, East Citizens Advisory Council (East CAC)
  • 2012 – Chair, Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council (Raleigh CAC)
  • 2008-2010 – Boardmember; Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB)
  • 2008-2012 – PRGAB Liaison; Mordecai Historic Park Advisory Board (MHBAB)
  • 2011-2012 – Vice-Chair, Mordecai Historic Park Advisory Board (MHPAB)
  • 2010-2011 – Vice-Chair; Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB)
  • 2011-Present – Chair; Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB)
  • 2010, 2011 – Assistant Coach, Salvation Army Youth Basketball
  • 2011, 2012 – Assistant Coach, City of Raleigh Youth Baseball
  • 2012 – Volunteer, Triangle Radio Reading Service
  • 2012-Present – Board Chair, Little Raleigh Radio
  • 2012-Present – Volunteer, Friends of World Music

Russell Allen

I was surprised and saddened to hear that Russell Allen had been let go by the Raleigh City Council. Russell was as responsive as you’d want any city manager to be; I can’t recall a single time I sent him an email and he did not respond. I know many others contacted him about issues and he would respond, often no matter how big or small the problem was.

Russell led the city through some of its biggest growth and through some of its greatest financial challenges. He’s always been a professional, and as even those who clashed with him will attest, you always knew where you stood with him.

He made some fantastic hires with the city’s other leaders, picking great police chiefs, planning staff, and other crucial roles. It doesn’t matter what else the city has going for it, Without a great staff it won’t deliver on its promise.

I expect Russell will soon be snatched up by another city looking for a great manager. I wish him well and look forward to learning more about the Council’s decision and points of view.